Orell Mesker

Orell Mesker, 83, of Ulen, MN died Thursday, April 25, 2013 in Sanford Health Systems, Fargo, ND. Orell Lloyd Mesker, the son of Lloyd and Anna (Orwald) Mesker, was born on June 6, 1929 in the Twin Valley-Syre, MN area. As a young boy, he attended country school in the area until he began working on the family farm near Syre. Throughout his teenage years and early adulthood, Orell worked on various family farms in the Syre area until he moved west to Portland, OR to work at a seed plant. After leaving Portland, Orell worked in the Montana mountains cutting pulp until moving back to the area in 1957. For the next thirteen years, he was employed at the Magnus Wefald farms near Hawley, MN then started working at the Felton Elevator in 1970. On January 28, 1989 Orell was united in marriage to Carol (Kellen) Rowland at St. William Catholic Church in Twin Valley. He moved to Ulen and finished his successful career at the Felton Elevator retiring in 1992. After his retirement, Orell enjoyed metal working and various crafts. He made many flower hangers, shepherds hooks, and ice fishing spears. He also worked as welder and handyman for anyone that was in need of help. Orell was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen for many years. In the past, family and friends often saw Orell with his dog and best friend, Emma. Orell is survived by his wife, Carol of Ulen; children: Julie (Roy) Chounard of Ulen, Debbie (Darin Erickson) Helgedalen of Ulen, Penny (Dave) Winter of Mahnomen, Kipper (Rhona) Rowland of Moorhead, and Nikki (Jeremy) Begg of Ulen; his grandchildren: Michael and Casey Chounard, Logan and Kyle Helgedalen, Jace and Katelyn Bueng, Jordan and Noah Rowland, Brody Begg; one great grandson, Jason Winter. Orell is also survived by one sister, Lois (Kenneth) Ziegler of Georgetown, MN; sisters-in-law: Beverly Sykora of Browns Valley, MN, Arlene Bigalke of Wheaton, MN, and Delores Thompson of Wheaton, Carol Jean Kellen of Clinton, MN, Laura Kellen of Fort Walton, FL, Velma Kellen of WA; brothers-in-law: Paul (Mary Ann) Kellen of Beardsley, MN, Don (Janet) Kellen of Beardsley, and Dave Montplaisir of Vienna VA. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Milo, Marvin, Melford, Charles, and David; three sisters, Audrey, Delores, and JoAnn; a son-in-law, Craig Helgedalen; one grandson, Brady Blomseth; and his dog, Emma. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Visitation was Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. all in the church. Visitation was also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Orell Mesker

June 6, 1929 - April 25, 2013